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Stainless Steel or Granite Sink: Which Kitchen Sink Should I Get?
Posted by RG Sayson on 16 Jul 2020
Stainless steel kitchen sinks are still a very popular choice, but why do some go after kitchen sinks like granite? If you are trying to choose and can’t decide between a granite kitchen sink and a stainless steel sink, here are a few useful comparisons to help you make your choice.
Kitchen Sink Material
Stainless steel is incomparable to other materials when it comes to strength, and this is important to a kitchen sink that is used on a daily basis. A stainless steel sink is extremely tough against rust, oxidation, and discolouration. It also has a high resistance to heat, and will not bubble or peel. If you go a step further by choosing a 1.5mm 304-grade stainless steel sink, you will find this even tougher and less likely to bend or distort.
One of the best granite sinks in the market today is made from 80% granite quartz and 20% high-grade acrylic resin. The hardest component of granite, these granite kitchen sinks are strengthened by a computer-controlled polymerisation casting process. Such granite sink will be able to withstand impacts and shocks, is scratch-proof and dent-proof, and resistant to dirt, stain, and heat.
In terms of characteristics, stainless steel is still the superior material, though granite sinks are just a step behind.
SS: ★★★★★
G: ★★★★☆
Sink Manufacturing
Many high-quality stainless steel sinks are handmade, although some are made by pressing over a mould. Hand fabricated stainless steel kitchen sinks like those from Swedia have a uniform thickness and a perfect square shape. These are achieved by folding 1.5mm stainless steel sheets and welding the corners. On the other hand, when a sink is made by moulding, the stainless steel is pressed, stretched, and weakened.
Granite kitchen sinks like those by Carysil are engineered via a casting method that uses high-grade nickel moulds. The high-pressure compression process gives granite sinks their durability, resulting in a flawless sink surface made of extra hardened material.
Granite sinks and stainless steel sinks seem to be on equal footing in this area.
SS: ★★★★★
G: ★★★★★
Kitchen Sink Appearance
A stainless steel sink will never go out of style when it comes to looks. It is a classic kitchen sink that can be combined with almost any other material, colour, or style. Being handmade produces the brushed finish, which adds to its aesthetics. Many stainless steel sinks also keep with the timeless classic look or minimalist style, with a few sporting modern designs.
Most granite kitchen sinks have a contemporary vibe that gives an extra appeal to the eyes. A granite sink may look like natural stone or have a silk-like texture or a metallic black surface. Granite sinks also come in neutrals like grey and white, though you’ll see some in red, blue, or other colours. Many granite sinks come in a variety of simple but modern designs.
This one goes to granite sinks, which comes in a variety of colours and designs.
SS: ★★★★☆
G: ★★★★★
Sink Bowls / Configuration
If you browse through the kitchen sinks on Renovator Store, there seems more diversity with stainless steel sinks. These range from the small or half bowl, to the standard single bowl and double bowl, extending to an extra-large bowl and deep bowls and everything in between. (View the variety of stainless steel kitchen sinks.)
For granite sinks, you will also surely find a sink that fits your requirements, though there are a bit fewer choices. One that looks different is a round single bowl from Cino and a couple of geometric bowls, but you’d probably find other choices in the kitchen sink market out there. (Check out the granite sink choices now.)
We’ll score this one a draw, but if you disagree you’ll have to tell us why.
SS: ★★★★★
G: ★★★★★
Kitchen Hygiene
Stainless steel has natural properties that make it the most sanitary among metals and the standard for hygiene in kitchens. A stainless steel sink does not have or develop pores or cracks, so there is no chance for any bacteria or mildew to form. Stainless steel kitchen sinks do not contain lead or arsenic either, making it safe for your family.
Many granite kitchen sinks use an anti-bacterial technology that gives continuous protection versus bacterial reproduction, like Carysil sinks. Some like Cino granite sinks feature similar protection against bacteria, repelling bacterial organisms to maintain hygiene in the kitchen.
This is perhaps one reason why stainless steel never goes out of style - you can surely count on it being hygienic, which is important for all homes.
SS: ★★★★★
G: ★★★★☆
Price*
Range: $259.95 to $997.00
Average: $607.65
Range: $399.00 to $850.00
Average: $618.91
Both are reasonably priced for such good quality, plus you can always take advantage of special price offers.
SS: ★★★★★
G: ★★★★★
*Note: Quoted prices are based on RRP at the time the article was drafted, and are subject to change; some sinks may now be on sale.
Other Kitchen Sink Considerations
Granite kitchen sinks and stainless steel sinks both offer rounded corners and zero-radius corners. Though zero-radius corners may look sharper, rounded corners are generally easier to clean. In both cases, stainless steel and granite sinks are equally easy to clean. One plus for stainless steel is you can easily buff away any scratches and nicks.Granite sinks boast of being made of eco-friendly sustainable products.Thicker stainless steel sinks reduce noise to a minimum, and Swedia sinks feature underside baffle pads that further dampen sound.
SS: ★★★★★
G: ★★★★★
So Which Kitchen Sink Should I Buy?
Though stainless steel has a slight edge over granite, your kitchen sink choice will ultimately depend on which features are most important to you. If you lean strongly towards a timeless classic, and material, hygiene, and variety of choices are important to you, you should definitely go for a stainless steel kitchen sink. If your taste is more modern, and appearance ranks high on your criteria, you should select a granite kitchen sink with a clean conscience that you are not sacrificing durability or hygiene. If you wish to find out more about kitchen sinks before you buy, Renovator Store’s friendly Customer Service Team can help if you call 1800 RENOSTORE between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm AEST on weekdays or send an email to service@renovatorstore.com.au right now.